Tropical depression Chedeng weakens, but rains continue

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Chedeng weakened into a low-pressure area after hitting landmass yesterday, but it will continue to bring moderate to heavy rains over parts of the Visayas and Mindanao within the next 24 hours, the state weather bureau said.

Chedeng made landfall over Malita, Davao Occidental at 5:30 a.m., according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

All tropical cyclone warning signals have been lifted.

The low-pressure area was spotted at 140 kilometers southwest of Cotabato City or 145 km east southeast of Zamboanga City as of 3 p.m. yesterday.

The weather disturbance will continue to bring scattered moderate to heavy rains over Mindanao, particularly in Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangsamoro, North Cotabato, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao City, PAGASA said.

Light to moderate rains are also expected over the rest of Mindanao and portions of Central Visayas and Leyte provinces, according to the weather bureau.

PAGASA warned residents of these areas against possible floods or landslides due to heavy rains from the low-pressure area and thunderstorms.

It also advised fishermen, particularly those using small seacraft, to avoid sailing over the eastern seaboard of the Visayas and the eastern and southern seaboards of Mindanao. 

Meanwhile, the easterlies or warm air from the Pacific will prevail over Luzon and the Visayas.